FIFA says it respects Qatar’s stance over alcohol issue during 2022 WC

Qatar had recently been in the eye of a storm when Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), said the 2022 tournament would likely not see alcohol near or inside the stadiums.

Following the statement, fans from the Western world went into frenzy, but FIFA seems to have taken a more level headed stance.

FIFA General Secretary Fatma Samoura said the global football body ‘respected’ Qatari culture.

“We do respect the customs and culture of the country. The last thing FIFA would like to be accused of is that it does not pay attention to these kind of customs,” Samoura told AFP, following a meeting between FIFA and Qatari officials.

However, she clarified that FIFA was yet to discuss the alcohol issue with Qatar and said a final decision was a long way off.

Qatar’s position could potentially lead to problems for FIFA and one its major sponsors — beer giant Budweiser.

“Can’t waste time over criticisms for criticism’s sake”

Samoura, after chairing an LOC meeting at the Museum of Islamic Art, spoke sternly against the unending criticisms Qatar has been facing.

“The World Cup in Qatar is a done deal. I’m not going to waste my time responding to critics if it’s criticism just for the sake of criticism. If it’s positive criticism, then we can deal with it. Otherwise I don’t waste my time,” Gulf Times quoted Samoura, a former top official with the United Nations’ World Food Programme, as saying.